2020 Color of the Year

You may be seeing more blue in 2020.

Three companies have declared a shade of blue the color of the year for 2020, including Pantone, PPG and Sherwin-Williams. Pantone has chosen “classic blue” as the top color for next year, calling it “a reassuring presence instilling calm, confidence and connection.” PPG’s pick, “Chinese porcelain,” is described by the company as a “blend of cobalt, moody ink blue.” “Naval” is the pick of Sherwin-Williams, a “rich navy.” How can you incorporate the 2020 color of the year into your or your clients’ homes?

“Who doesn’t like a blue?” asked Sue Kauffman, founder of SKC Staging and a member of the Home Staging and Redesign Association and Real Estate Staging Association. “There are so many varied colors of blue, but I think the one Pantone chose is a good color to work with. It’s not too dark or too light, but it’s still rich.”

Adding this blue to a house shouldn’t be difficult. Kauffman suggested a “pop of color” throughout the home. “This is a great color for accent chairs or a sofa. This blue goes well with so many different colors both vibrant and neutral. Another way to add it is a smaller accent wall, rather than a larger one, in a living room or bedroom.”

In the kitchen, Kauffman said it would be a unique touch to have blue cabinets or add it to a backsplash.

“We love to use this color in staging,” added Kauffman. “It works so well with gold accents. Brush gold is the big metallic right now. We have several pieces that are this color that bring a room together. When we stage, we like to create conversation areas. This color draws the eye and attention to the area.”

Additionally, Kauffman said this blue would be a great addition in bedrooms, whether it’s bedding or accent chairs.

“It’s kind of a neutral in that everything goes with it. It would even look great with black and white, which is so big right now,” she said.

Don’t know where to begin? Kauffman said to start small. “Pinterest and Houzz are a great way to get ideas. They are very visual, which helps a lot. Start small, maybe something private, like your bedroom. You can always get help from a designer or stager who can give you ideas. I have found that just looking at what you like is a great way to figure out what you like.”

Kauffman added: “Don’t be afraid to use this color. Blues are here for a little while and will stay a while. Everyone likes blue; there is a blue for everyone. It is not going to offend anyone either. It’s a vibrant color that you can accentuate.”